Beginner’s Manual for Project Proposal Writing 101
Not Another Boring Handbook: Learn to Write Successful Projects The RYCO Local Branch Office in Serbia in cooperation with the OSCE Mission to Serbia publishes the “Beginner’s Manual for Project Proposal Writing 101”. This Manual is conceptualized to support the advancement of project writing skills for the successful design of projects and initiatives that can connect the Western Balkan youth. It supports beginner practitioners to understand the structure of grant proposals, develop project elements and create inclusive youth projects. By offering a practical resource, the Manual includes a variety of exercises and tools on the topic. Most importantly, it draws on lessons learned from several trainings organized by RYCO and the OSCE field operations in the Western Balkans. The three thematic parts which lay at the center of the “Beginner’s Manual for Project Proposal Writing 101” are: ● Unwrapping grant-making logic and understanding processes behind the grant life cycle; ● Highlighting the importance of participation and diversity in youth mobility projects; ● Guiding through major project elements and technical aspects of project writing. RYCO and the OSCE Mission to Serbia hope that this Manual will serve as an important companion to all interested individuals, organizations and secondary schools.
Not Another Boring Handbook: Learn to Write Successful Projects
The RYCO Local Branch Office in Serbia in cooperation with the OSCE Mission to Serbia publishes the “Beginner’s Manual for Project Proposal Writing 101”.
This Manual is conceptualized to support the advancement of project writing skills for the successful design of projects and initiatives that can connect the Western Balkan youth. It supports beginner practitioners to understand the structure of grant proposals, develop project elements and create inclusive youth projects.
By offering a practical resource, the Manual includes a variety of exercises and tools on the topic. Most importantly, it draws on lessons learned from several trainings organized by RYCO and the OSCE field operations in the Western Balkans.
The three thematic parts which lay at the center of the “Beginner’s Manual for Project Proposal Writing 101” are:
● Unwrapping grant-making logic and understanding processes behind the grant life cycle;
● Highlighting the importance of participation and diversity in youth mobility projects;
● Guiding through major project elements and technical aspects of project writing.
RYCO and the OSCE Mission to Serbia hope that this Manual will serve as an important companion to all interested individuals, organizations and secondary schools.
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WHAT IS A GRANT?
Let’s look at how you did now
1. Good idea is most important for a successful project: False
A good idea based on needs is indeed very important. But what makes an idea good for a youth
project?
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It is a result of evidence-based needs of a target community;
It stems from young people themselves or is crafted in close consultations with them;
It is aligned with donor’s overall mission and grant-scheme guidelines;
It is translated into careful and realistic planning, which indicates the project’s feasibility
and measurable results;
Preferably, it is beyond one-off events, and has some sustainability aspects.
Good, creative, innovative, out-of-the-box ideas may catch attention and, depending on the
donor’s assessment criteria and overall organizational culture, may compensate for other
under-developed aspects. Nevertheless, a good idea per se is not enough. One needs to put a
well-thought effort into demonstrating that such an idea can be implemented without setbacks,
while contributing to the bigger picture. That’s why project proposals exist – to help
translate your idea in reality through detailed planning.
TRY THIS OUT: If I was a donor….
Imagine you are a representative of a foundation or that you approve project
finances. Put yourself in the shoes of a responsible entity. Which criteria would
you use? What kind of projects would you prefer? How would you ensure
responsible spending?
Looking through the donor’s eyes can help you reason the paperwork and
particular requests that you may find burdening at times. It can also help you
structure your ideas in a way that the donor seas as suitable. However, beware
of sliding into prejudice no.4!
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